Unassisted YFT From the Kayak!!!

[chris138]

Got your attention? The unassisted so-cal kayak tuna has always been a dream of mine. Looks like this year may be my chance to make it a reality. YFT are on the 9. I am planning on attempting the feat this Saturday. My thought is that this will be mostly a paddling trip, while trolling raps and maybe cedar plugs. I will be taking a prowler 15, minimally rigged for weight savings. Not sure if I will try to bring live bait or not. Probably launch from la jolla around 3am and head due west about 8-10 miles. Troll around the bank a bit, eat a hearty lunch, and start heading in around 11:00-12:00.

Are there any seasoned, salty, and physically fit people on the board who would be interested in making this journey? I may or may not have a chase boat available. I will have a GPS, VHF and PFD, maybe a flare-gun. Depending on the current we may need to land in another part of the county and shuttle back to LJ, but my plan is to return to the shores. Hoping for west wind and a decent swell to bring me home!

Before the naysayers start telling me about how dangerous the ocean is and how I might die, save it. I know the risks and have done a lot more dangerous things than this, like riding my bicycle to work for instance. :auto:

I'm looking for able bodied and highly experienced paddlers here. If you are interested, PM me or reply to this thread.

[Widgeon]

That's the spirit!
I have just recently gotten back in to paddling and not nearly in shape for that type of trip, but,
Have a great and safe trip.
Be sure to post a report.
:D

[Siebler]

If i was in town id be in for sure. Lots of fish on the lower end of the 9 hopefully some have come up and you get them! Once im back id love to give it a go for sure.

Good luck!

[Zed]

This is something Id rather not do on a Saturday.
Head on a swivel; watch for idiots; good luck.

A few years ago some guys went out SD harbor and pedaled to the S9 for a yft. It was a looong day. Bring lots of food.

[Silbaugh4liberty]

I'd like to join but it's my wife's birthday Saturday. And I need some more gear ( pfd, vhf and my iron setup I'm in the process of getting). Hopefully will have everything I need by next month!!

Have fun, be safe and go kill it!!:cheers1:

[chris138]

This is something Id rather not do on a Saturday.
Head on a swivel; watch for idiots; good luck.

A few years ago some guys went out SD harbor and pedaled to the S9 for a yft. It was a looong day. Bring lots of food.

Pedalers? That's a whole different story! Haha but seriously I don't think a PA could make it really. Revo or adventure for sure. The prowler is just so fast and efficient with a legit paddle...

Ya hopefully most of the boat traffic will be headed south. Making the N9 proper would take a considerable swing southward from LJ, but I'm just gonna watch the wind forecast and try to head uphill for the morning piece. If there's SW wind that day the 9 might be makeable.

CJ, plan a day and I'll be down! A weekday could work for me but I gotta know a bit in advance.

[Zed]

I agree I love my prowler.
I think they were on Outbacks. It was a while ago before PAs for sure.

[Zed]

Just searched and I think it was before the crash. Couldnt locate the reports.

[Zed]

woops. Had to refine the search. http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=3781

[ful-rac]

If there ever was a time where it might be possible...now is the time.


I wouldnt go it alone though, no matter how good it is out there. Good luck if you do.

[JDW]

woops. Had to refine the search. http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=3781

That was a good read, thanks for reposting it!

Jess

[dorado50]

You can do it, even by yourself. The Prowler is as good as it gets. Personally I would not go with a cedar plug, don't think you can get the action needed at 3.5 knots. Try a rapala?, or live bait way back. Also I would suggest an air horn on board. Once on the spot try a live bait or two with a four ounce weight and a two ounce weight, tuna may not be on surface. If they are on the surface throw the popper. I can see a 40#YFT on your deck now......good luck.

[Zed]

^or the smaller deep divers like crystal minnow or frenzys when in the zone.
Its a big ocean good luck. And dont neglect a standard chovy swimbait.

[bubblehide]

I know someone heading out there tomorrow. I might be there this weekend, I'll keep an eye out for you.

[StinkyMatt]

Sounds like Chris has the knowledge and experience to do this right.

Kick some ass....

Can't wait for that photo.

Good luck.

[easyday]

Dang ive been wanting to do something like this for awhile, but I work on Saturdays. I have atarpon 160 and I know Iits plenty fast enough and paddles very well. If you ever do this on a wed or Thursday let me know and im in.

[food4less562]

8-10 isn't so bad on a kayak. I just bought a 12' inflatable Zodiac if you want to head out there. just looking for an outboard at the moment. possible to launch from la jolla shores from an inflatable?

[PapaDave]

I would like to try this sometime. Unfortunately I already have plans for Saturday or I would go with.

I have a PA and have peddled 10-12 miles in it before, averaging 2.5 mph ground speed depending on conditions, fully loaded. Without the tank the average is a bit higher.

If you go again, let me know.

[blitzburgh]

On FB I think I saw "the kid" Kevin Nakada put out the feelers for a trip to the 9 on some Island Tandems. You might want to hit him up.

[skrilla]

Sounds like an adventure. Hope all of you have your RSWs in working order. If not pack plenty if ice or maybe some dry ice. :p

[Iceman]

expect sharks, every offshore trip I have done has attracted a mako, blue or hammerhead the hammerhead approaching was the scariest as they have a very big dorsal fin.....thought it was a 20 foot GWS...............they get curious! Just be prepared. :D I would be all in if I did not have to work.

[Bert Vega]

I would like to try this sometime. Unfortunately I already have plans for Saturday or I would go with.

I have a PA and have peddled 10-12 miles in it before, averaging 2.5 mph ground speed depending on conditions, fully loaded. Without the tank the average is a bit higher.

If you go again, let me know.

Agreed. I can put some mileage on my PA on any given trip. I have done 15+ miles in a day without issue.

[Iceman]

http://www.tempbreak.com/

[chris138]

Although I do believe the PA could make it, 25 miles is a lot different than 12 miles in open water. But I invite you to join along! Bring a spare mirage drive though... I don't foresee my full carbon ikelos blade having any malfunctions:)

Andy... Last time I went offshore in the yak only thing I hooked was a big mako. I about shat myself when it didn't even run, but instead started jumping repeatedly straight towards my boat.

Sounds like there's a lot of interest in doing this some other time. Hoping somebody decides to come Saturday though, as we all know how small those windows of opportunity can be.:doh:

[sdmosch]

Kevin is awesome! He taught me a lot out there, he is going to be doing trips to catch tuna. I think he said the 9 mile bank, not 100% sure where though. His site is http://www.seasamurai.com/index.html

[chris138]

Thanks, not really looking to pay for a fishing partner though. I'm sure he's very good!

[chuckt]

Few reports say YFT show up 5-7 off Dana pt. 5-7 mi off shore around 267 spot. This is doable from kayak? Good luck.

[Zed]

The 267 is ~15miles from the harbor mouth.

Made it halfway a few years ago and had wfo lockjaw doraditos, with hungry makos on the side. We'll see this morning...

[Fiskadoro]

Went out Tuesday, but we were fishing South of the nine out of range of a kayak. The idea was to get one of the larger Bluefin before Mexico shut it down. No Bluefin for us, but Norm and I got five Yellowfin tuna and caught over thirty yellows.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/14481770357_95f0473e85_o.jpg

We hooked four tuna trolling, three on X-raps, and if I was you that is what I would troll, but I also got a tuna on a megabait when I cast it on a boil.

All our fish were caught off paddies or under birds, no strikes on porpoise, and we did not have a single blind strike.

None of the fish were big, but the yellowtail bite was absolutely insane. The bigger fish could not get ot our baits because there were so many smaller fish chewing. We probably released more then 20 Yellowtail, left at least six paddies with wide open bites where every bait you put in the water was instantly bit. We got yellows on Tuna feathers, X- raps, Iron, Magabaits as well as finbait. I've fished offshore Yellowtail for decades and I have never seen so many fish wide open in so many locations on the same day. We finally just stopped baiting paddies. Basically there is a huge mass of fish moving up the coast. The only time I've seen anything even close to the bite was during the 1997 El Nino. I would expect La Jolla to go completely wide open on 6 to 15 lbs yellowtail in the next few days, and imagine that we'll shortly see Yellows in Santa Monica Bay.

We did not catch any Dorado, the water temp was down, but I hooked one that cut off and saw several including a huge Bull that jumped right in front of the boat.

I think we are in for a Epic season, maybe the best we've seen since the 90s.

[Iceman]

Steve and I have done the 267 as well as the 14 mile bank on the Adventure Islands. Logging 32 miles made a long day even with the sail. I would do it again.

[chris138]

Fiskadoro (jim?) thanks for some great dope! I'll drag the X-raps fore sure. Based on the SST, it looks like a 1-2 degree temp break about 5 mi out from la jolla. I don't see any reason why the fish wouldn't be up there now... But who knows. Mega baits and Raps sounds like a bitchin gameplan.

As of now I'm still solo. Can't figure why nobody would want to try this weekend. Maybe if I charged $300 I'd get some takers hahaha :star:

[Iceman]

Dammit!........I may HAVE to give it a go Friday out of Newport :D Need to get work covered.

it looks like a 1-2 degree temp break about 5 mi out from la jolla.Seems like warm CLEAN water never holds tight to the beach for long, hopefully it does for somebody to score!

[the dude]

get out early before the wind picks up. You can do it, but I wouldn't go solo. It's a big ocean. Good luck.

[PapaDave]

Although I do believe the PA could make it, 25 miles is a lot different than 12 miles in open water. But I invite you to join along! Bring a spare mirage drive though... I don't foresee my full carbon ikelos blade having any malfunctions:)

Andy... Last time I went offshore in the yak only thing I hooked was a big mako. I about shat myself when it didn't even run, but instead started jumping repeatedly straight towards my boat.

Sounds like there's a lot of interest in doing this some other time. Hoping somebody decides to come Saturday though, as we all know how small those windows of opportunity can be.:doh:


I am pretty sure it can make it, the initial run to the 9 would be the energy burner, trolling takes no effort.

I have a 'Drive repair kit" in the kayak at all times. Two blades with rods and at least one of every cable on them s well as the tools to do it.

Like I said, if I didn't have plans already I'd be there. Sounds like fun.

[Zed]

Water temps are down a bit off Dana. Tougher day on the banks today according to the radio. One report I heard was 30 boats on the 267.

Ramp was a zoo at 0445. Barge was 6 deep already. Good news was the boats were heading to the 267 (or S) first and working up the line. Bad news they were coming back past the point from the 14 in a constant stream after noon.

[5-20]

Not quite ready or equipped for a trip like this yet.... but maybe next year!!!

[EntropyFletch]

I was just thinking about this! Fish Dope has YFT 6 miles from MB harbor today...

[chris138]

Fletch- make it happen bro! These things are once a decade.

Update: I now have a confirmed partner so the trip is for sure a go. I will be launching from the shores at 3:00-3:30am.

[5-20]

Fletch- make it happen bro! These things are once a decade.

Update: I now have a confirmed partner so the trip is for sure a go. I will be launching from the shores at 3:00-3:30am.

YFT or bust!!!!! :yt::yt::yt: :notworthy:

[YakDout]

Fletch- make it happen bro! These things are once a decade.

Update: I now have a confirmed partner so the trip is for sure a go. I will be launching from the shores at 3:00-3:30am.

Thats Bad A$$. Hope you guys kill it. You're definitely putting in the time and work for the reward.

[Fiskadoro]

expect sharks, every offshore trip I have done has attracted a mako, blue or hammerhead the hammerhead approaching was the scariest as they have a very big dorsal fin.....thought it was a 20 foot GWS...............they get curious! Just be prepared.

If sharks bite bite them back...
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/14486945389_73e1f5a94f_c.jpg

[ful-rac]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/JimDay_zps70a76d91.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/JimDay_zps70a76d91.jpg.html)

[wade]

Now when someone asks you, "Is that a Tuna?":confused:
You can reply, "Yes it's a Tuna"...

& the flip side to that coin...

Ten bucks says when me & my crew come back stacked with Tuna, the first launch lurker will inevitably come over to us and ask, "Are those Yellowtail?"....:doh:




•

[lowprofile]

Although I do believe the PA could make it, 25 miles is a lot different than 12 miles in open water. But I invite you to join along! Bring a spare mirage drive though... I don't foresee my full carbon ikelos blade having any malfunctions:)

Andy... Last time I went offshore in the yak only thing I hooked was a big mako. I about shat myself when it didn't even run, but instead started jumping repeatedly straight towards my boat.

Sounds like there's a lot of interest in doing this some other time. Hoping somebody decides to come Saturday though, as we all know how small those windows of opportunity can be.:doh:

I've personally done 22miles in the PA. Not a problem and averaged 2.5-3knph. Very doable and im super jealous I'm not there right now. Might be better off launching from SD bay or Coronado beach.

[467echo]

This post really has me thinking lately. Can't do it until the weekend of Aug 9th though. Depends on where the fish are at that time. I have a small list of things I would bring just for that trip that would include... extra bait and FF batteries, VHF radio, extra Mirage drive(maybe 1 between me and a friend), 2 subway footlong sandwiches, glowsticks, and... Any other ideas that I might be forgetting?

[Zed]

water, game bag.

[467echo]

water is a given, I always use soaked burlap sacks on my fish, think that will work?

[lowprofile]

I have a 65"x20" game bag. On the trip I did 22+\- miles I had two 15-20lb king macs, several 3-7lb Spanish macs a cobia and small sharks frozen water bottles kept them cool for then 12-13hour trip.

[the dude]

Has this been done before from Cali? I realize some of you have caught YFT from a kayak, but it's always been a mothership thing right? You could be in a very elite group if you pull this off Chris.

[chris138]

Unless Iceman Andy is out today trying to steal my thunder. ;)

[chris138]

My safety list is as follows:

Submersible VHF
GPS
PFD
Air Horn
Storm Whistle
Waterproof LED blinky lights to put on my jigstick
Glow sticks
Big ass knife

Not gonna worry about how to keep fish cold. Focusing on not getting run over by one of the smokers

[Pagzzz]

I cannot wait to read how this turns out!!!!

It got me thinking. I don't have a kayak, but I do paddle a 1-man outrigger canoe (OC-1) that I can average about 5-6 MPH on and have paddled 20 miles before. I know they do this kind of fishing in Hawaii. I can clamp a rod holder to the outriggers and troll even.

hmmmm ....

[cabojohn]

It's a commitment going outside. Adrenalin will get you there...but remember, you have to paddle back tired too.
Expect possible wind, current & swells...
Stay alert & watch for boats as they will not be looking for 'kayaks'.
I'd consider flying a flag. GPS /compass & vhs.
FOR SURE bring extra food & water /drinks. Energy gels /Roctaine etc. You will want to pack light too.
Be safe & good luck. :)

[RedSledTeam]

Be VERY VISIBLE guys! It's a zoo out there! I heard 10 boats on every paddy!! :captain:
-RST

[Hunters Pa]

It's a commitment going outside. Adrenalin will get you there...but remember, you have to paddle back tired too.
Expect possible wind, current & swells...
Stay alert & watch for boats as they will not be looking for 'kayaks'.
I'd consider flying a flag. GPS /compass & vhs.
FOR SURE bring extra food & water /drinks. Energy gels /Roctaine etc. You will want to pack light too.
Be safe & good luck. :)

And make sure you tell people exactly when and where you are going, AND when you should be expected back

[chris138]

It looks like 2,100 people have seen my trip itinerary, so I'm holding you all personally responsible for my rescue.;)

I'm gonna be out there and some PBer will come up to me and be like "hey youre chris138 huh. you should be careful its real sketch out here" as he's slamming rum drinks and bumping some butt rock. :cheers1:

That's after I see Josh on his way in with 80lb bft saying something along the lines of "it was wide open blues on squid, on the balloon, 75 yards back and 50 ft down pinned on a purple swimbait. should have been here an hour ago"

:leaving:

[chris138]

I cannot wait to read how this turns out!!!!

It got me thinking. I don't have a kayak, but I do paddle a 1-man outrigger canoe (OC-1) that I can average about 5-6 MPH on and have paddled 20 miles before. I know they do this kind of fishing in Hawaii. I can clamp a rod holder to the outriggers and troll even.

hmmmm ....

Pagz, my GF has an OC-1 as well. I think she will be joining me offshore here in the next few weeks. Might be some other paddlers from the Hanohano club trying as well. You should try rigging your OC-1 for fishing and share what you learn. What would be super rad is to take a 4 man surf canoe out to the bank!

[467echo]

Good Luck tomorrow Chris, go get um! Can't wait to read your report on Sunday morning. :cheers1:

[Iceman]

Unless Iceman Andy is out today trying to steal my thunder. ;)

Duty calls Had to rig up a customers PA 12 this morning, could not get away today, looks like next week I will hopefully be looking outside somewhere. good luck manana!

[tacmik]

This post really has me thinking lately. Can't do it until the weekend of Aug 9th though. Depends on where the fish are at that time. I have a small list of things I would bring just for that trip that would include... extra bait and FF batteries, VHF radio, extra Mirage drive(maybe 1 between me and a friend), 2 subway footlong sandwiches, glowsticks, and... Any other ideas that I might be forgetting?
Beer. Must stay hydrated. Couple gallons water.

[467echo]

I bet you are tired right now!:D

[makobob]

Wait for it,



















Wait for it,





















Worth waiting for???????

[cesar74]

Has anyone heard from these guys? Did they make it back? That's all I want to know.

[battleborn]

Hopefully they made it safe and they filled the freezer.

[The pelican]

Has anyone heard from these guys? Did they make it back? That's all I want to know.

I was thinking the same thing but am sure they let friends/family know the plan and where they'd be headed. Probably just wiped out from an epic trip and did a marathon sleep session and we'll get a report today.

[Pagzzz]

Pagz, my GF has an OC-1 as well. I think she will be joining me offshore here in the next few weeks. Might be some other paddlers from the Hanohano club trying as well. You should try rigging your OC-1 for fishing and share what you learn. What would be super rad is to take a 4 man surf canoe out to the bank!

Going to try convincing my coach (Kapolioka'ehukai Canoe Club) to take OC-6 out for support vessel! We can troll at 6-7 knots in that bad boy all day long.

[wiredantz]

I would only attempt it with a sail, outriggers, and a motor :)

[Old Man in the Sea]

We followed Chris138 and 3 other kayakers to the 9 mile - light variable winds were in their favor - ...let them throw their yellowtail and yellowfin in the back of our boat to lighten their load for the paddle back in...As you can see in the picture - they killed it...

[momo fish]

I'm confused. Am I suppose to read between the lines again?

[bubblehide]

At that time, the 9 was the place to be. I fished the 181 the previous day. Although some fish were caught, they just hadn't moved up to the 181 yet. Now is a different story.

[driftwood]

We followed Chris138 and 3 other kayakers to the 9 mile - light variable winds were in their favor - ...let them throw their yellowtail and yellowfin in the back of our boat to lighten their load for the paddle back in...As you can see in the picture - they killed it...


Ha haaaaa! That was funny Randy. I know exactly were you guys hooked all those Yellow fins and YT. Not very far.

[Old Man in the Sea]

http://www.bdoutdoors.com/forums/threads/anatares-san-diego-yellowfin-tuna-and-yellowtail-fishing-report.547643/

@ the 302

Hickory Smoked yellowfin tuna and yellowtail ...brown sugar, yoshida gourmet sauce, garlic, and red pepper brine...